On Jan. 17, local time, at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, Samsung Electronics introduced its ‘Galaxy Ring’ during an Unpacked event. The large screen on the event stage showcased the smart ring, prompting cheers and applause from approximately 2,100 attendees. Resembling a ring, the device is poised to make a significant impact in the health data collection and analysis market.
On that day, Samsung Electronics withheld detailed information about the Galaxy Ring, but the tech industry’s interest remained high. The Verge, an IT media outlet, reported, “(Samsung Electronics) is eager to disrupt the wearable world order.”
Guided by Samsung Electronics, the tech industry is expected to witness a substantial ‘Ring War’ this year. While smart rings were previously considered innovative products from startups, the landscape is set to change with the entry of major tech players like Samsung Electronics and Apple. According to market research firm Grand View Research, the global wearable device market, encompassing smart rings, is projected to grow from $71.91 billion (approximately 95.7 trillion won) in the previous year to $186.14 billion (approximately 247.6 trillion won) by 2030.
Indications within the tech industry suggest that the physical form of the Galaxy Ring will likely be revealed at the Unpacked event in the second half of this year. Noh Tae-moon, president of Samsung Electronics Mobile Experience (MX), stated during this Unpacked event when meeting with the press, “To implement the most crucial ‘continuous monitoring’ for digital health devices, we determined that a ring-shaped device would be better.” He added, “The Galaxy Ring is expected to be released within this year.”
The Galaxy Ring is expected to come equipped with sensors, similar to those in smartwatches, enabling continuous measurement of heart rate and blood pressure through features such as blood flow measurement and electrocardiogram functionality. Samsung spokesperson Amber Reaver told The Verge that the ring is meant to “empower more people to manage their health with a comprehensive yet simplified approach to everyday wellness at home.” Reaver also noted that the ring will have “leading sensor technologies” and that it would be comfortable enough for 24/7 wear. Analyst Avi Greengart, who saw the prototype, noted that it’s light, comes in three finishes, and in sizes up to 13.
There is also speculation that the Galaxy Ring may provide the ability to access certain functions of other smart devices. This could potentially involve controlling a smartphone with the ring or making payments using the ring alone, without the necessity of a smartphone.
Apple has also entered the smart ring market, filing a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last year. The patent details a smart ring capable of connecting to other devices through short-range wireless communication circuits. This technology enables integration with Apple devices, such as the iPhone or iPad. In 2022, Apple also submitted a patent for technology that detects the wearer’s body movements and measures the distance between specific objects and the user using the ring.
